Civic Federation Property Tax Primers
The Cook County property tax system is highly complex and often difficult for the public to understand. To improve transparency and promote accountability, the Civic Federation is updating its series of primers that explain the key processes and government entities involved in the property tax system. These primers were originally created between 2009 and 2011 and are available here.
Appeals
Coming soon
Assessment and Exemptions
Coming soon
Rates and Extensions
Report: The Cook County Property Tax Extension Process: A Primer, published August 6, 2025
Infographic: Cook County's Property Tax Extension Process
Infographic: Cook County Property Tax Bill Calculation
Tax Principles
Coming soon
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Report: Tax Increment Financing: A Primer, published March 25, 2026
Infographic: How TIF works
Infographic: TIF pros and cons
The Civic Federation's Updated Position on the Cook County Property Tax System
Coming soon. Read Civic Federation's 2010 Position on the Cook County Property Tax System, published on December 20, 2010
Click here to read additional Civic Federation research about property tax issues.